Alaska Marine Safety

Education Association

See AMSEA's calendar of upcoming courses and events
(updated often!)

HERE'S WHAT'S NEW!

July 23, 2008

Radio Show Features Alaska Drowning Information

Last week Dr. Thad Woodward, host of the show "Line One" on KSKA radio in Anchorage, interveiwed AMSEA director Jerry Dzugan and Dr. Jennifer Lincoln of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Alaska Pacific Regional Office. They discussed epidemiology and how its being used to better understand and prevent drowning in Alaska.

To read more, listen to the broadcast online, and find links for additional information, visit the "Line One" web page.

June 24, 2008

Staff Changes At AMSEA

AMSEA is pleased to welcome Jaquette Carroll to the staff thanks to the AmeriCorps program. Read more about Jaquette on AMSEA's Staff Page.

At the same time, we regret the departure of Course Coordinator Chris Bryner who is heading back to school to earn an elementary education teaching credential. He notes, "My year at AMSEA was terrific, and it reinforced my love of education. Throughout the year I had the chance to teach school aged kids about cold water safety, and it wasn't long before I realized that teaching was what I needed to be doing every day." Everyone at AMSEA wishes him the best!

Below, new AMSEA staffer Jaquette Carroll enjoys kayaking in Sitka Sound. AMSEA photo.

June 19, 2008

AMSEA's Premier Train-the-Trainer Course Scheduled for September

AMSEA Marine Safety Instructor Training, an intensive 48-hour, six and a half day program designed to train individuals to effectively teach cold water survival procedures, marine safety equipment and onboard safety drills, will be held in Sitka from September 23 through 29.

Click here for a detailed description of the U.S. Coast Guard approved course, links to registration forms, information about travel to Sitka, and a brochure to download.

June 13, 2008

Who Visits AMSEA's web site?

Click the image below and find out the locations of visitors to www.amsea.org since June 9, 2008!

June 10, 2008

BoatU.S. Announces PFD Photo Contest

BoatU.S. Angler, which offers services and helpful information for boat-owning fishermen, encourages anglers to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) this fishing season. From now until September 30, anglers can submit photos of themselves, friends or family fishing while wearing a lifejacket to enter the "Get Hooked on Safety" contest at www.BoatUSAngler.com

One winner in each of four categories will receive a Mustang inflatable life vest valued at $150. The categories include: fishing photos; holding a catch; family photos; and the best fishing story that accompanies a photo. Everyone in a photo must be wearing a PFD.

"A lifejacket helps ensure you'll make it back home safely," said Mike Pellerin, director of BoatU.S. Angler. "Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87% were not wearing their lifejacket. You just never know when wind, weather, waves or other factors will conspire against you."

Pellerin said the biggest complaint from anglers about wearing a PFD is that they are uncomfortable. "But if you haven't taken a look at the new inflatable or sports-style vests, you're missing out. You can bait a hook, cast with ease and stay cool and comfortable all day long," he added.

No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. Get complete details and see contest photos.

May 21, 2008

AMSEA Cold Water Safety Training Featured In Unalakleet School Blog

Last week middle school students in Unalakleet, Alaska received cold water safety training from AMSEA-trained instructors Jason Hymer, Injury Prevention Coordinator with Norton Sound Health Corporation, and Nome-based Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agent Heidi Herter.

After their hands-on training, students wrote about their experiences and shared photographs on their blog Unalakleet: In The Middle. Scroll down through the text entries to see a selection of great pictures of Jason, Heidi and Unalakleet's 7th and 8th graders.

Here's a sample photograph and caption from the blog:

This is a picture of our Cold Water instructors, Heidi and Jason. They are teaching us about the seven steps of survival.

May 20, 2008

Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety News

AMSEA's commercial fishing vessel safety program has a new component. A link from the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety program page (see permanent link in navigation panel at left), will now take you to a Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety News page.

Check this new page frequently for updates on commercial fishing vessel safety!

AMSEA'S mission:

Reduce injury and death in the marine and freshwater environment through education and training provided by a network of qualified marine safety instructors.